Transferring a Windows 11 product key from one device to another can be necessary when upgrading hardware or moving your license to a new computer. However, it is important to understand the type of license you have before attempting the transfer. Windows licenses are generally categorized into OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and Retail versions. OEM keys are tied to the original hardware they were activated on and cannot be transferred legally to another machine, while Retail keys offer more flexibility and can usually be moved between devices.
To begin transferring your Windows 11 key, first verify that your license is transferable by checking its type. You can do this by opening Command Prompt with administrative privileges and typing the command `slmgr /dli`. This will display information about your current license, including whether it is Retail or OEM.
If you have confirmed that your key is retail and eligible for transfer, you need to deactivate it on the current machine before activating it on the new one. To deactivate, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter `slmgr /upk`, which uninstalls the product key from your system. This step helps ensure compliance with Microsoft’s licensing terms by freeing up the activation count associated with your key.
Next, retrieve your windows 11 key if you don’t already have it saved somewhere secure. If you purchased a digital copy directly from Microsoft or received a physical card, locate this information carefully. In cases where you only have access to an installed system but no record of the key itself, tools like NirSoft’s ProduKey or Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder can help extract stored keys from your existing installation.
Once deactivated on the old device and equipped with your product key, proceed to install or set up Windows 11 on the new machine if not done already. During installation or after setup completion in Settings under Activation options, select “Change product key” and enter your valid retail code when prompted.
If activation fails due to reaching limits imposed by Microsoft servers-often occurring when transferring multiple times-you may need assistance via phone activation methods provided during troubleshooting prompts within Activation settings.
It’s also prudent after successful activation on a new device to keep records of all communications related to licensing transfers for future reference should any disputes arise regarding legitimacy of usage rights.
In summary, transferring a Windows 11 product key involves verifying license eligibility for transferability; deactivating it properly on old hardware; securely retrieving and applying that same code onto new hardware; followed by ensuring smooth reactivation through online or phone channels as required-all while adhering strictly to Microsoft’s licensing policies throughout each step of this process.